Drivers in Victoria, Australia, are being urged to avoid complacency behind the wheel, as new research reveals most of the state’s road deaths happen because of a simple mistake.
Analysis of Transport Accident Commission data has revealed that, in 2020 alone, 146 (71 percent) road deaths involved a basic error, like driving too fast for the conditions, taking a corner too wide or getting distracted, as opposed to high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving and drug-driving.
The new data shows that tragic errors have played a role in around 70 percent of road deaths since 2017.
The findings come as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Victoria and more people return to the state’s roads. So far in 2021, 128 people have lost their lives on the roads, compared with 130 at the same time last year.
“There is a common misconception that it’s people that take risks who are involved in fatal crashes – it’s not, anyone can be involved in an accident regardless of their experience on our roads,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll.
“Anything can happen at any time on the roads – and as more Victorians return to our roads, we’re reminding them to stay distraction free, buying the safest car you can afford and sticking within the speed limit we can make every journey a safe one.”
